Kenya's prove their worth in Lagos City Marathon

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right), presenting the trophy to the Winner of the 2017 Lagos City Marathon, Abraham Kiptum from Kenya (middle) while 3rd Prize Winner, Kiprotich Kiroi from Kenya (2nd right); Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe (right); 2nd Prize Winner, Ronny Kipkoech Kiboss from kenya (3rd left); President, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (2nd left) and Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (left) watch with admiration during the 2017 Lagos City Marathon at the Eko Atlantic City, on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

In a time of two hours, 15 minutes and 20 seconds, Kenya’s, Abraham Kiptum who won the maiden edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday successfully defended his title at the second edition of the race carting away the grand prize of $50,000.

His time was a new record in the Lagos Marathon as he posted a time of two hours, 16 minutes and 19 seconds in the 2016 maiden edition.

Kiptum’s compatriots, Ronny Kiboss and Kiprotich Kiroi came second and third finishing in two hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds and two hours, 15 minutes and 30 seconds, winning $40,000 and $30,000 dollars respectively.

Istifanus Peter Mahan was the first Nigerian to breast the finish tape in two hours, 37 minutes and 51 seconds, while Kefas Williams and Ritji Timothy finished second and third in two hours, 40 minutes and 43 seconds and two hours, 41 minutes and 31 seconds respectively.

The race started at the National Stadium, Surulere by 7am and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island with over 50,000 athletes battling for the prize money.

Speaking shortly before presenting the prizes to the winners at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said his administration has begun steps to reposition sports in the State, assuring that no stone would be left unturned to achieve the aspiration.

He said the success of the tourney marked another leg of his government’s dreams and aspiration to make State the destination of Sports in Africa.

To this end, the Governor said the State would continue to explore and attract regional, continental and global sports events to drive home its mission, adding that the all round development of youths through sports remains paramount.

“Our commitment to continue to support our Youth in Sports Development is resolute, a part that we cannot depart from.  The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is a testimony to this avowed commitment,” he said.

Governor Ambode said it was gratifying that the Marathon attracted the presence of the Athletics Federations Presidents from other countries,  and participation of elite Athletes from four continents, 15 countries and about 50,000 athletes overall.